Tag Archives: Keith Thurman
UNDEFEATED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION CALEB PLANT MAKES HIS FIRST TITLE DEFENSE AGAINST UNBEATEN MIKE LEE IN THE MAIN EVENT ON PBC ON FOX
tony penecale Box Fan Expo Ringside rapport
Av: Tony Penecale
Quick video intro här:
https://www.facebook.com/TornadoTP/videos/10156003723726436/
Förra helgens mellanvikt titel uppgörelse mellan Canelo Alvarez och Daniel Jacobs presenterade också den årliga Box Fan Expo, hölls på Las Vegas Convention Center. Den fantastiska MINNESTECKEN på display och levande amatörboxning åtgärder kompletteras en rad tidigare och nuvarande världsmästare kämpar för snabb träffas och hälsar.
Som en livslång boxning fan, Det var synd att jag bara hade lite mer än två timmar att spendera på händelsen innan tillbaka till T-Mobile Arena för starten av undercard skjutningarna. Tiden jag kunde spendera var grundligt njutbar. Priserna var rimliga för att möta dessa BOXNINGS- legender och har en stund att prata och ta foton. Genomsnittet $20 -$25 priset för ett foto op var betydligt mindre än vad som skulle ha gått förlorade på kasinot i en enda roulette spin.
James Toney var där i en kostym, bevisar att han till och med kan göra pläd se snygg. För en kille känd för en buttre natur, Han var mycket tillmötesgående och nämnde han kommer att vara i Philadelphia för en live show juni 7 och hoppas att se mig där.
I montern nästa över var Hall-of-Fame programföretaget Al Berstein, vem jag hade förmånen att intervjua 2011. Då berättade om min beundran av hans stilrena arbete och är ett fan sedan hans dagar med Barry Tompkins på ESPN: s torsdag kväll Fights, Han var ödmjuk och uppskattande.
Linjen att möta Roy Jones Jr. var lång men värt att vänta. Medan tid att prata med Roy var kort, Jag kunde tala om vad en ära det var att träffa en av de största artisterna i min generation och hur jag satt bara ett par fötter från honom när han var på Creed II set.
Även linjen för att möta den legendariske Sugar Ray Leonard var exceptionellt lång, man kunde se att han verkligen åtnjuter själv, blinkande att miljoner dollar leende och gör sitt berömda nävar-upp foto op med fans. Tyvärr, med tiden ont, I did not have the opportunity to meet one of my favorite fighters growing up. I would have loved to have shown him a photo when I was four-years-old, swinging away on the Sugar Ray Leonard punching bag I was given.
A few feet away was one of Sugar Ray’s most-famous rivals, the great Thomas “Hitman” Hearns. While the Hitman has shown some slowing as he has aged, he still proves to be an imposing figure, but he now replaces that fearsome glare with a warm smile.
Also coming up to meet Thomas Hearns was current IBF Super-Featherweight Champion Tevin Farmer, a fellow Philadelphian, who I’ve had the opportunity to watch grow from a 7-4-1 journeyman boxer to a 29-4-1 världsmästare.
Mitt besök skulle inte vara komplett utan att stanna för att se ”The Pazmanian Devil” Vinny Paz, alltid en av mina favorit action soldater och karismatiska personligheter. I stället för ett handslag, Han hälsade mig med en stor kram och uttryckte besvikelse över att min pappa inte ansluta mig på mässan.
På kort tidsram, det var omöjligt att uppfylla alla de stora fighters där bland annat Michael Spinks, Riddick Bowe, Errol Spence, Anthony Dirrell, och Earnie Rakapparater. Med det är Cinco de Mayo helgen, linjerna för en del av de mexikanska legender lindade runt kongresscentret golvet. Mikey Garcia, Marco Antonio Barerra, Erik Morales, och Juan Manuel Marquez alla visade sig vara exceptionellt populär. Men ingenting jämfört med bruset av pro-mexikanska publiken när den stora Julio Cesar Chavez infördes.
Delta denna händelse var en dröm och jag kunde bara önskar att jag hade mer tid att spendera på händelsen. Allt var så professionellt gjort och de närvarande var bortom tillmötesgående.
Kudos till Box Fan Expo för en sådan exceptionell händelse.
Lyssna på vår radioprogram episod från tidigare i veckan för mer insikt från Tony “Tornado” Penecale om denna händelse.
Full Gallery:
BOXNING ICON och 8-världsmästaren Thomas Hearns bekräftats för 5: e årliga Boxfläkten EXPO, Cinco De Mayo UNDER HELGEN, lördag MAJ 4, I Las Vegas
KEITH THURMAN vs. JOSESITO LOPEZ FIGHT WEEK MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & BILDER
Unbeaten Prospect Stephen Fulton & Welterweight Contender Miguel Cruz Enter The Ring In Separate Undercard Attractions Saturday, Januari 26 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn in Event Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
KEITH THURMAN TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & BILDER
“I’m going to show everyone the full package of skills I bring and enjoy every second of it,” – Thurman
Unbeaten Welterweight World Champion Thurman Talks Ring Return & More Before Title Defense Against Josesito Lopez Saturday, Januari 26 i
Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Main Event
Från Barclays Center i Brooklyn
KlickaHÄR for Photos from Andy Samuelson/Premier Boxing Champions
ST. PETERSBURG, FL.(Januari 17, 2019) – Welterweight world championKeith “One Time” Thurmandiscussed his anticipated return to the ring as he nears his showdown againstJosesito Lopezthat headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, January 26 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes action begins at8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PTand features unbeaten Polish heavyweightAdam Kownacki battling former title challenger Gerald Washington, plus unbeaten featherweight contenderTugstsogt Nyambayar tar på slagkraftigaClaudio Marrero in a 12-round bout.
Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, begin at $50 och kan köpas påticketmaster.com,barclayscenter.com, eller genom att ringa 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Grupprabatter finns genom att ringa 844-BKLYN-GP.
Thurman will return to action on January 26 from a long injury layoff after his most recent fight saw him unify welterweight titles by defeating Danny Garcia in March 2017 vid Barclays Center. Here is what Thurman had to say about his return, Josesito Lopez and more from his training camp at the St. Pete Boxing Club in St. Petersburg, Florida:
How has training camp been going? Have there been any adjustments because of the injury?
“Training camp has been going well. It was a little bit of a slow start after so many months out of the ring, but I’m feeling great as we get closer to the fight. I’m starting to feel more and more like a world-class athlete again. It’s a good feeling working this hard and it reminds me what it’ll take to continue being the champion.”
Do you anticipate any ring rust? Do you think it will be more difficult to feel like yourself physically in the ring, or mentally trusting the injury is healed?
“I don’t think ring rust will be an issue. The only thing that even if this may not be the best Keith Thurman that people have ever seen, we’re focused on getting better and much stronger with each fight. But make no mistake, people will see one of the best welterweights in the world on January 26 at Barclays Center.”
When did you start to feel like you were turning the corner physically? Were you ever worried you wouldn’t be healthy enough to fight?
“You always have to be a little worried about new injuries. There’s nothing wrong with your car until the day it decides to break down. So at the end of the day, it’s always in the back of my mind. I run a lot of miles, so I wonder about my knees. I wonder about my shoulders also. Athletes and their bodies go through a lot of things. But here I go getting right back into things and I’m totally ready to showcase my talents on January 26.”
What kind of challenges does Josesito pose? What makes him a difficult opponent for you coming off a layoff?
“Josesito is experienced. He’s a busy fighter with good reach. He likes to mix it up and force his opponents to fight. He also has a new coach in Robert Garcia now, and I know he has a lot of confidence in his abilities. Josesito has been through ups and downs in his career, but he’s back on an upswing at the moment. Then he pinpointed me and called me out. So I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
What are you looking to show in this fight? How do you control your emotions and make sure you don’t press too much?
“I’m going to show my versatility in the ring. I’m going to show Josesito what it’s like to be in the ring with me. He might think it’s just all about my power, but I’ll show him what none of his sparring partners could. I’m going to show everyone the full package of skills I bring and enjoy every second of it.”
How do you see this fight looking stylistically?
“I like to let my opponent show me how the fight is going to go. I’ve thought many times that my opponents would do something specific, but then they do something totally different in the moment.
“I’m just prepared for any version of Josesito. I’m ready for him to come at me with punches in bunches, but I’m also ready if he wants to try box more and work behind his jab. I don’t think there’s anything that he’s going to do that I won’t be able to dominate. I’m going to move, trade on the inside, whatever it takes and we’ll see which road to victory looks the easiest.”
# # #
ABOUT PBC ON FOX & Fox Sports: THURMAN VS. LOPEZ
Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes is headlined by the return of WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman defending his title against veteran contender Josesito Lopez on Saturday, Januari 26 live from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™ and the East Coast home of PBC.
The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT and features rising unbeaten Polish heavyweight Adam Kownacki taking on former title challenger Gerald Washington, plus a 12-round featherweight showdown between Tugstsogt Nyambayar and Claudio Marrero.
PBC Prelims on FS1 and FOX Deportes begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and will feature junior lightweight prospect Chris Colbert taking on once-beaten Josh Hernandez in an eight-round bout, mer 2016 US. Olympian Antuanne Russell facing Roberto Almazán in a six/eight round super lightweight attraction, and super welterweight prospect Chordale Booker meeting Juan De Ángel for eight-rounds of action.
Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.
For more information: besökwww.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage ochwww.foxdeportes.com, Följ på TwitterPremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, FOXSports, FOXDeportes, TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports ochwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes.
KEITH THURMAN VS. JOSESITO LOPEZ, PLUS ADAM KOWNACKI PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & BILDER
Welterweight World Champion Thurman Defends Title Against Veteran Contender Josesito Lopez; Undefeated Adam Kownacki Battles Gerald Washington Saturday, Januari 26 in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes from Barclays Center in Brooklyn
Klicka HÄR for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions
BROOKLYN (December 22, 2018) – Unbeaten welterweight champion Keith Thurman and veteran welterweight Josesito Lopez, plus Brooklyn’s undefeated heavyweight contender Adam Kownacki, hosted a press conference Saturday night to discuss their fights on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes taking place Saturday, Januari 26 från Barclays Center, hemmet till BROOKLYN BOXING ™.
Televised täckning börjar på 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT and will see Kownacki battle former title challenger Gerald Washington in a 10-round contest and unbeaten featherweight contender Tugstgogt Nyambayar ta på sig Claudio Marrero to open the telecast, all leading up to the Thurman vs, Lopez main event.
Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, begin at $50 och kan köpas på ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, eller genom att ringa 800-745-3000. Biljetter kan också köpas på American Express Box Office i Barclays Center. Grupprabatter finns genom att ringa 844-BKLYN-GP.
Here is what the fighters had to say Saturday before going face-to-face in the Barclays Center interview room, prior to the PBC on FOX fight night in Brooklyn:
KEITH THURMAN “Jag mår bra fysiskt. We’re working really hard and just getting back into everything we did before the injury. It feels tremendous and I’m so happy to be able to do this back in Brooklyn. Januari 26, you will see the return of the number one welterweight in the world. I need to come back and stay active and healthy. I’m going to remind everyone this year why I’m one of the baddest men on the planet. Vid slutet av dagen, I’m here to make a statement that ‘One Time’ är tillbaka. I have one belt, and I’m missing one belt. I’m going to re-establish my own accomplishments this year, then go from there. We’re taking it one fight at a time. Right now my eyes are set on Josesito Lopez.”
“I’m a world-class fighter. I’ve fought through injuries my whole career. A real fighter ends up getting addicted to the game. There’s nothing better in this life than being under those lights and being part of the action. My legacy is not over. Unification against Danny Garcia was not enough for me. Ytterst, I’m just waiting to be presented with a man who is better than me. There might not be one, but I’m not afraid to let my ‘0’ go. “I need fights like this against a guy like Josesito Lopez. He’s going to be there and give the fans a great fight. He’s coming to take me out. He looked like he was in shape a month ago when I first saw him. “It’s been a long time and I’m truly honored to be back. It’s been hard for me to not be in the ring while I wait for the elbow to recover. I’m so happy to be back.”
JOSESITO LOPEZ “I’m really excited to be here tonight. Keith Thurman is a world-class, elite fighter and I’m going to make the most of this opportunity. I’ve been in this position before and I’ve never shied away from big battles. This is another big one and I’m going to be ready for it and become world champion.”
“I’m sure Keith Thurman is as strong and skilled as anyone I’ve ever faced. He’s undefeated for a reason. I give him his respect for that. I’m preparing for him to be the best fighter I’ve ever faced. We’re both experienced fighters who have fought world class competition. I’ve faced my share of tough heavy punchers. I’ve pretty much seen it all. Come January 26, we’re going into deep waters and we’ll see how each of us reacts.”
“No matter how active Thurman has been, the importance of this opportunity doesn’t change. If anything we might see a better and healthier Keith Thurman than we’ve seen in years. I’m expecting the best Keith Thurman there is. I’m going in against one of the toughest welterweights out there. I don’t need anyone to believe in me but myself. I’m going to give it my all to come out with that title.”
ADAM Kownacka “Januari 26 is going to be a great night. Varje gång jag slåss, it’s very exciting. I throw a lot of punches and bring the pressure. Gerald Washington is going to be a tough test, but if I get through him, I’m even closer to a title shot. That’s the ultimate goal.”
“It’s a little bit of a fairytale story. I was just a little kid from Brooklyn wearing the Golden Gloves and now I’m fighting at Barclays Center. It’s a whole new environment. Hopefully next year I’m the main event. That’s the goal and it’s going to be a dream come true. I have to keep working hard to achieve it.”
“I think when I fought Iago Kiladze, he was also a runner who could box. I managed the ring very well with him so I’m looking to do the same with Washington and punish the body. The taller they are the harder they fall. Gerald Washington is a tough exam. He’s a former title challenger and I know he’s going to bringing his A-game. My goal is to become the heavyweight champion of the world and in order to do that I have to get by Washington. That’s what I plan on doing.”
# # #
Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. För mer information:
besök www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage och www.foxdeportes.com, Följ på TwitterPremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, FOXSports, FOXDeportes, TGBPromotions, @BrooklynBoxing and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports och www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.
Undefeated Welterweight Champion Keith Thurman Makes Long Awaited Ring Return to Defend His Title Against Battle-Hardened Veteran Josesito Lopez Live in Primetime on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, Januari 26 Från Barclays Center i Brooklyn
Also in Action! Unbeaten Adam Kownacki Faces Gerald Washington in Heavyweight Attraction & Unbeaten Featherweight Contender Tugstgogt Nyambayar Battles Claudio Marrero
Köp biljetter Till försäljning!
BROOKLYN (December 18, 2018) – Undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman returns to the ring after a lengthy injury layoff to defend his title against veteran Josesito Lopez på lördag, Januari 26 live in primetime in the main event o Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from Barclays Center, hemmet till BROOKLYN BOXING ™.
Televised täckning börjar på 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT and will see a co-feature featuring fast-rising unbeaten Polish heavyweight contender Adam Kownacki as he clashes with former title challenger Gerald Washington in a 10-round battle and unbeaten featherweight contender Tugstgogt Nyambayar strider Claudio Marrero to open the telecast.
Tickets for the show begin at $50 och kan köpas på ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com,eller genom att ringa 800-745-3000. Biljetter kan också köpas på American Express Box Office i Barclays Center. Grupprabatter finns genom att ringa 844-BKLYN-GP.
“There is a high level of anticipation and intrigue surrounding the ring return of welterweight champion Keith Thurman, and Josesito Lopez will certainly provide some answers about where Thurman is after nearly two years out of the ring,’’ said Tom Brown, VD för TGB Promotions. “Adam Kownacki and Gerald Washington have the opportunity to show exactly where they stand in the resurgent heavyweight division. Both of them are big heavyweights who love to throw power shots. Nyambayar and Marrero are guaranteed to add fireworks to an already thrilling show. It’s the kind of night that will have fans on the edge of their seats.’’
“I speak for boxing fans everywhere when I say we are eagerly anticipating Keith Thurman’s return to the ring,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of BSE Global. “He has experienced great success at Barclays Center, so it’s fitting that he will lead off a strong year of BROOKLYN BOXING programming in 2019. I also look forward to seeing local favorite Adam Kownacki, who always comes with a strong contingent of loud fans.”
Thurman (28-0, 22 Kos) made a steady rise through the welterweight ranks and reached the pinnacle with hard-fought victories over Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia at Barclays Center,the latter of which earned him a WBC crown in addition to his WBA title. But a string of injuries has sidelined him for nearly two years, calling into question his place amongst the 147-pound elites. The 30-year-old Thurman, who is still the reigning WBA welterweight champion, is looking to regain his top-tier status in the division starting with Lopez.
Thurman, who lives and trains in Clearwater, Florida, enters the ring for the first time since a split decision victory Garcia on March 4, 2017.
“I’m extremely excited to step back into the ring,’’ said Thurman. “It’s a little nerve-wracking considering the time off and because I want to have a tremendous performance. I want to speak more with my hands more than my words and quiet the naysayers who think that Keith Thurman has lost his passion and skills in boxing. I believe I’m the best welterweight in the division and in the world and I hope to showcase that on January 26 with a knockout. The best fights in the welterweight division have involved Keith Thurman and that will continue to be the case. I’m looking forward to having a tremendous year and showing why I’m number one.”
The 34-year-old Lopez(36-7, 19 Kos) is looking to thwart Thurman’s plans to regain his lofty position in the 147-pound division. Nicknamed “The Riverside Rocky’’ because of his all-action style, the Riverside, California-native has stepped into the ring against some of the best boxers of this generation. He has rattled off three straight victories since suffering a TKO loss to former welterweight champion Andre Berto in 2015. Lopez is coming off a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Miguel Cruz on April 28 live on FOX.
“I’m approaching this fight leaving no stone unturned as I prepare to take that world championship,’’Lopez said. “I’ve set up training camp with altitude, chasing chickens,chopping wood – really into putting in the work. Overall the layoff will affect him and there could be a little hesitation, but we’ll see come fight night. The improvements that I’ve made with Robert Garcia the last couple of years will come into play. They’ve strengthened my qualities and I can’t wait to show it to the world.”
Kownacki (18-0, 14 Kos) has risen through the heavyweight ranks with a tough-as-nails brawling style that produced a string of knockout victories and exciting showdowns. His knockout streak ended at four in his last fight when he scored a unanimous decision victory over former heavyweight champion Charles Martin on Sepember 8. Kownacki, who was born in Lomza, Poland and now lives in Brooklyn, will be fighting at Barclays Center for a third straight time and the eighth time overall.
“Living in Brooklyn this is like a home game for me,” said Kownacki.” I’ve had some of my best performances at Barclays Center and I can’t wait to step into the ring against Gerald Washington and showcase myself on PBC on FOX. There is nothing better to start off the year than with a knockout and that’s what I plan on doing on January 26 vid Barclays Center. I hope all my fans will come out like they always do and have the arena in white and red.’’
Washington (19-2-1, 12 Kos) is a 6-foot-6 heavyweight who has been able to use his athletic ability to power his way past most of the opponents he faces. That athleticism will pose a challenge to Kownacki, who could be facing the toughest fight of his career.The 36-year-old Washington of Vallejo, California is a former college football standout at the University of Southern California and a U.S. Navy veteran who has challenged Deontay Wilder for his championship. He is coming off a unanimous decision victory over John Wesley Nofire in his last fight on June 10.
“I can’t wait to show everything I’ve been working on,’’ said Washington, “Boxing is a sport of truth. It brings the truth to light and it exposed my truth and what I needed to work on. You have to be able to adjust and be comfortable in every situation. You have to be ready for what’s to come. I’m expecting a hard fight from him. He’s a bruiser. He’s tough and he loves to fight. He’s in his hometown and he’s ready and he’s going to bring it, but I’m ready to position myself to fight again for a world title.’’
Nyambayar (10-0, 9Kos) has made a rapid ascent through the talent-laden featherweight division with precision and power. The 26-year-old Nyambayar, who is from Ulan-Bator Mongolia and now lives in Carson, Kalifornien, won a silver medal in the 2012 London Olympics as a member of the Mongolian boxing team. He scored a KO victory over Oscar Escandon in his last fight on May 26.
Marrero (23-2, 17Kos), a 29-year-old southpaw from Santo Domingo, Dominikanska republiken, is coming off a stunning KO victory over Jorge Lara in his last fight on April 28.Marrero two losses have come against former featherweight champion Jesus Cuellar in 2013 and Jesus Rojas in 2015. A victory over Nyambayar will putMarrero in position to fight for a world title again.w
Undefeated Welterweight Champion Keith Thurman Makes Long Awaited Ring Return to Defend His Title Against Battle-Hardened Veteran Josesito Lopez Live in Primetime on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, Januari 26
Från Barclays Center i Brooklyn
Also in Action! Unbeaten Adam Kownacki Faces Gerald Washington in Heavyweight Attraction
Köp biljetter Till försäljning!
BROOKLYN (December 12, 2018) – Undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman returns to the ring after a lengthy injury layoff to defend his title against veteran Josesito Lopez på lördag, Januari 26 live in primetime in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from Barclays Center, hemmet till BROOKLYN BOXING ™.
Televised täckning börjar på 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT and will see a co-feature featuring fast-rising unbeaten Polish heavyweight contender Adam Kownacki as he clashes with former title challenger Gerald Washington i en 10-runda slaget. Tickets for the show begin at $50 och kan köpas på ticketmaster.com,barclayscenter.com, eller genom att ringa 800-745-3000.
Biljetter kan också köpas på American Express Box Office i Barclays Center. Grupprabatter finns genom att ringa 844-BKLYN-GP.
“There is a high level of anticipation and intrigue surrounding the ring return of welterweight champion Keith Thurman, and Josesito Lopez will certainly provide some answers about where Thurman is after nearly two years out of the ring,” sa Tom Brown, VD för TGB Promotions. “Adam Kownacki and Gerald Washington have the opportunity to show exactly where they stand in the resurgent heavyweight division. Both of them are big heavyweights who love to throw power shots. It’s the kind of night that will have fans on the edge of their seats.”
“I speak for boxing fans everywhere when I say we are eagerly anticipating Keith Thurman’s return to the ring,” säger Brett Yormark, CEO of BSE Global. “He has experienced great success at Barclays Center, so it’s fitting that he will lead off a strong year of BROOKLYN BOXING programming in 2019. I also look forward to seeing local favorite Adam Kownacki, who always comes with a strong contingent of loud fans.”
Thurman (28-0, 22 Kos) made a steady rise through the welterweight ranks and reached the pinnacle with hard-fought victories over Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia at Barclays Center, the latter of which earned him a WBC crown in addition to his WBA title. But a string of injuries, including surgery and rehabilitation on his elbow, has sidelined him for nearly two years, calling into question his place amongst the 147-pound elites.
The 30-year-old Thurman, who is still the reigning WBA welterweight champion, is looking to regain his top-tier status in the division starting with Lopez. Thurman, who lives and trains in Clearwater, Florida, enters the ring for the first time since a split decision victory over Garcia on March 4, 2017.
“I’m extremely excited to step back into the ring,” Said Thurman. “It’s a little nerve wracking considering the time off and because I want to have a tremendous performance. I want to speak more with my hands more than my words and quiet the naysayers who think that Keith Thurman has lost his passion and skills in boxing. I believe I’m the best welterweight in the division and in the world and I hope to showcase that on January 26 with a knockout. The best fights in the welterweight division have involved Keith Thurman and that will continue to be the case. I’m looking forward to having a tremendous year and showing why I’m number one.”
The 34-year-old Lopez (36-7, 19 Kos) is looking to thwart Thurman’s plans to regain his lofty position in the 147-pound division. Smek “The Riverside Rocky” because of his all-action style, the Riverside, California-native has stepped into the ring against some of the best boxers of this generation. He has rattled off three straight victories since suffering a TKO loss to former welterweight champion Andre Berto in 2015.
Lopez is coming off a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Miguel Cruz on April 28 live on FOX. “I’m approaching this fight as leaving no stone unturned as I prepare to take that world championship,” Lopez said. “I’ve set up training camp with altitude, chasing chickens, chopping wood – really into putting in the work. Overall the layoff will affect him and there could be a little hesitation, but we’ll see come fight night. The improvements that I’ve made with Robert Garcia the last couple of years will come into play. They’ve strengthened my qualities and I can’t wait to show it to the world.”
Kownacki (18-0, 14 Kos) has risen through the heavyweight ranks with a tough-as-nails brawling style that produced a string of knockout victories and exciting showdowns. His knockout streak ended at four in his last fight when he scored a unanimous decision victory over former heavyweight champion Charles Martin on September. 8.
Kownacki, who was born in Lomza, Poland and now lives in Brooklyn, will be fighting at Barclays Center for a third straight time and the eighth time overall.
“Living in Brooklyn this is like a home game for me,” said Kownacki.” I’ve had some of my best performances at Barclays Center and I can’t wait to step into the ring against Gerald Washington and showcase myself on PBC on FOX. There is nothing better to start off the year than with a knockout and that’s what I plan on doing on January 26 vid Barclays Center. I hope all my fans will come out like they always do and have the arena in white and red.”
Washington (19-2-1, 12 Kos) is a 6-foot-6 heavyweight who has been able to use his athletic ability to power his way past most of the opponents he faces. That athleticism will pose a challenge to Kownacki, who could be facing the toughest fight of his career. The 36-year-old Washington of Vallejo, California is a former college football standout at the University of Southern California and a U.S. Navy veteran who has challenged Deontay Wilder for his championship. He is coming off a unanimous decision victory over John Wesley Nofire in his last fight on June 10.
“I can’t wait to show everything I’ve been working on,” nämnda Washington, “Boxing is a sport of truth. It brings the truth to light and it exposed my truth and what I needed to work on. You have to be able to adjust and be comfortable in every situation. You have to be ready for what’s to come. I’m expecting a hard fight from him. He’s a bruiser. He’s tough and he loves to fight. He’s in his hometown and he’s ready and he’s going to bring it, but I’m ready to position myself to fight again for a world title.”
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